Biological Heritage Sites
Background
Local authorities are required to identify and provide for the protection and enhancement of the natural heritage within their areas. As part of their planning function, they have a responsibility to take account of sites of significant nature conservation value.
The wildlife sites in the County which English Nature considers to be the most important are likely to have been designated as statutory wildlife sites (SSSIs etc.). However, on their own such sites cannot conserve our natural heritage and biodiversity.
What are Biological Heritage Sites?
Biological Heritage Sites (BHSs) is the name given to the most important non-statutory wildlife sites in Lancashire.
BHSs contain valuable habitats such as ancient woodland, species-rich grassland and bogs. Many provide a refuge for rare and threatened plants and animals.Biological Heritage Sites form an irreplaceable part of our environment and are a major part of the strategy to conserve the biological richness of Lancashire.
In Lancashire there are at present over 1100 Biological Heritage Sites covering 25000 ha.this represents 8% of the County area.
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Identification
Biological Heritage Sites are identified using a set of published guidelines. The printed guidelines are available to purchase, or they can be viewed or downloaded electronically at no cost. Amendments to the list if sites are made annually by the BHS Review Panel which comprises ecologists from the County Council, Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and N. Merseyside and English Nature (NW Team).
Protection
Sites are afforded protection through their inclusion in the Joint Structure Plan and local plans prepared by each Lancashire district authority. Some sites may support habitats or species which have specific protection under other legislation, such as the Wildlife and Countryside Act and the EC Habitats or Birds Directives.
In order that Biological Heritage Sites are conserved, it is important that a strong partnership is developed between the bodies which administer the system and those people who actually own and/or manage the land. To this end we contact farmers and landowners who have Biological Heritage Sites on their land, to discuss the interest of the site and the reasons for selection. The Country Landowners Association (CLA) is supportive of the project.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About Biological Heritage Sites
- How are sites identified?
- Where are BHS located?
- Can I find out if I own or manage any sites?
- As an owner/manager can I benefit?
- I wish a site to be considered for identification as a Biological Heritage Site.
- Is public access affected?
- Does it affect how I farm my land?
- How does it relate to existing designations?
- Is identification as a Biological Heritage Site a precursor to designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
- What about planning applications?
- What do BHS contribute to the Biodiversity Action Plan process?
- Do Biological Heritage Sites exist elsewhere in the Country?
Can I find out if I own or manage any sites?
You should contact either the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and N. Merseyside or the ecology service of Lancashire County Council.
As an owner/manager can I benefit?
We recognize the problems and costs that farmers and landowners currently face in managing land and maintaining habitats for wildlife.
Grant aid and specialist advice are available, from a variety of sources, to help you maintain and possibly enhance the nature conservation interest of your land.
Owning or managing a BHS already increases the likelihood of successfully applying for grant aid such as Countryside Stewardship and Woodland Grant Scheme. These advantages are likely to increase with the emphasis now being placed on the agri-environment by the Government and others.
I wish a site to be considered for identification as a Biological Heritage Site.
You should contact either the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire, Manchester and N. Merseyside or the ecology service of Lancashire County Council.
Is identification as a Biological Heritage Site a precursor to designation as a Site of Special Scientific Interest?
No, the two systems are independent. Sites of Special Scientific Interest form a Nationally important suite of sites and most Biological Heritage Sites will never qualify for designation. However, as the BHS system seeks to identify all known sites of substantive nature conservation value in the County, it is possible that a few BHSs would potentially qualify for designation as SSSIs.
What about planning applications?
Under Governments planning policy guidance, authorities will take Biological Heritage Sites into account along with other planning considerations when determining planning applications.
If you are proposing to change your land use in a way that would normally require making a planning application then having our information to hand should help you to draw up your plans.
What do BHS contribute to the Biodiversity Action Plan process?
In common with much of the rest of the country, the biodiversity of Lancashire has undergone a significant decline. Large tracts of the County have now lost much of their former interest, what remains tends to be concentrated on relict habitats which are often fragmented. The conservation of these areas is frequently best achieved by their identification as statutory or non-statutory wildlife sites. These sites are seen as key features in the delivery of biodiversity objectives.